17 January 2007

A survey was conducted during September-October 2004 among Estonian farmers (n=71) to examine their use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and their perception of the internet's benefits. Results show, among others, that 95.8% of the farmers use mobile phones, 87.5% use computers, and 84.7% use the internet. The main motivation of the surveyed farmers in using the internet is internet banking. Furthermore, 77% of the respondents believe that the internet improves the rural network, 71% think that it enables self-education, and 70% perceive the internet as a centre of agricultural information. Only 40% of the respondents expect the internet to improve economic efficiency.

Source: The impact of new information and communication technologies on agriculture in Estonia. / Orin, J. , Põldaru, R. , Roots, J. [Estonian Agricultural University] / Transactions of the Estonian Agricultural University, 2005, No. 221, pp. 169-178, 7 ref.This information is extracted from the CAB Abstracts database, available on many platforms including CAB Direct. It is provided by CABI to IAALD members and readers to enhance knowledge sharing and exchange on different aspects of information and communication in agriculture and related disciplines. Copyright CAB International, reproduced with permission.